Autumn Chain is not just your normal, ol’ quilt block. When you use just this block for a quilt top, it creates an interesting repeat full of secondary designs. On my blog this year, I am hosting a series called The Bee Hive that shares a quilt block tutorial every second Monday for a quilt block that does the same thing – repeats to create a unique design across the quilt top.

The series gets its name from the fact that blocks like these are perfect for using when you’re in a quilting bee and you end up with twelve or more of the same block. A quilt made of these blocks do not require sashing, or even borders, just piece the blocks together and your quilt is fun and ready to go!

On its own, the block looks a little like four flowers or abstract autumn leaves. But when it’s put into repeat, stars, diamonds and pluses suddenly appear too.

But of course, it doesn’t have to be Autumn, maybe you want an Ocean Chain instead. Or maybe have some fabric placement fun and choose to fill in the pluses.

I have used monochromatic color schemes, but the most important thing with these block designs is simple – make it your own! Choose your own colors and fabric placement to personalize these designs for yourself.

All seams are 1/4″ and press as directed. Makes one 12.5” x 12.5” quilt block.

Step 1: Draw a line diagonally across the wrong side of each of Print 1 squares. Place one in the corner of a 3.5” background rectangle, aligned as per the diagram, and sew along the line. Trim 1/4″ away from the seam towards the corner and press the seam towards the print. Repeat for the remaining corner. Make four.Step 2: Draw a line diagonally across the wrong side of each of the Print 2 and 4 squares.

Step 3: Pair each Print 2 square with the Print 3 squares. Sew 1/4″ away from the line on both sides, trim along the line and press the seams towards Print 2. Trim the larger half-square triangles to 3.5” and the smaller HSTs to 2.5”.

Repeat for all Print 4 and Print 5 squares. Press towards Print 5.

Step 4: Arrange all the units from Step 3 and the remaining background pieces. Sew into rows, then sew the rows together, pressing all seams open.

Step 5: Arrange all the units and sew into rows, pressing seams as per the diagram. Sew the rows together and press seams open.